About 40 active and retired firefighters and police officers marched to City Council waving signs in opposition to Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke's recent pension reform.

"Trim your fat before you pick our bones," read one of the signs.

In early January, Berke accepted a recommendation from his 18-member task force to change the public safety employees pensions in order to cut the city's contribution levels and put the fund on a financially sturdy path going forward.

But several employees opposed to the plan said they believe the changes protect the highest-paid employees and disproportionately harm those in the middle and lower-paid ranks.